Narrow Margin Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A district attorney and a reluctant witness play a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with mob hitmen on a train because apparently flying is too mainstream.

🍿 Narrow Margin: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Witness to Murder

Carol Hunnicut, a publishing house editor, goes on a blind date with a lawyer, Michael Tarlow. Unbeknownst to her, Tarlow is involved with the Mafia and has embezzled funds from mob boss Leo Watts. During the date, Carol witnesses Tarlow’s murder by Watts’ hitmen, leaving her the sole witness.

Escape to Canada

Fearing for her life, Carol flees Los Angeles and hides in a remote cabin in the Canadian Rockies. Meanwhile, Deputy District Attorney Robert Caulfield, determined to bring Watts to justice, learns about Carol’s existence and her potential as a key witness. Caulfield travels to Canada to convince her to testify.

Onboard the Train

Caulfield convinces Carol to testify, but their attempt to return to Los Angeles is thwarted when Mafia hitmen attack their location. Sergeant Dominick Benti is killed during the attack. They narrowly escape and board a train to Vancouver, hoping to evade their pursuers. Unbeknownst to them, the hitmen are also on the train.

Cat and Mouse

Caulfield and Carol find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse as they try to avoid detection by the hitmen onboard the train. They must use their wits and resourcefulness to survive, as Caulfield doesn’t know who to trust and the killers don’t know what Carol looks like. Tension escalates as the train journeys through the remote Canadian wilderness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robert Caulfield (Gene Hackman): A determined Deputy District Attorney who is tasked with protecting a reluctant witness from the Mafia.
• Carol Hunnicut (Anne Archer): A book editor who becomes a key witness after accidentally witnessing a mob murder and finds herself on the run.
• Nelson (James Sikking): A chilling and professional hitman tasked with silencing the witness on a train.
• Michael Tarlow (J.T. Walsh): A lawyer with ties to the mob whose murder sets the plot in motion.
• Leo Watts (Harris Yulin): The ruthless Mafia boss who orders the hit on the witness to protect his criminal enterprise.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Robert Caulfield: “I like my side of the courtroom. The pay’s not so good, but the air’s a lot better.” – Caulfield says this when turning down a large bribe from one of the hitmen, highlighting his integrity.
• Nicholas: “This guy’s lying – he’s a train robber!” – A kid jokingly accuses Caulfield of being a train robber, adding a light moment amidst the tension.
• Robert Caulfield: “You know what I like about you? You’re tall.” – Caulfield quips this line before pushing a tall henchman off the train

💰Box Office

• Budget: $21,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,873,237
• Worldwide Gross: $10,873,237

💥 Narrow Margin Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed Narrow Margin! Gene Hackman is fantastic as the DA. The tension on the train had me on the edge of my seat. I was especially captivated by the scene where Hackman has dinner with the hitman – the dialogue was so sharp and full of underlying threat! It’s a simple story, but the execution makes it a thrilling ride, and that’s why I will remember it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Gene Hackman”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in train-based action movies”
  • “People who appreciate neo-noir films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Intense scenes”
  • “Murder”

Professional Reviews

• The Wrap: “Gene Hackman shines as the determined DA, navigating the confined spaces of the train with both grit and wit. The tension builds effectively, making for a suspenseful ride, although the plot treads familiar ground. A solid thriller with Hackman’s performance elevating the material.
• HeyUGuys.co.uk: “While lacking the stark atmosphere of the original film noir, this remake delivers satisfying action and suspense. The Canadian Rockies provide a beautiful yet isolating backdrop, enhancing the claustrophobic feel of the train. A worthwhile watch, particularly for Hackman’s commanding presence.

Audience Reactions

The nail-biting suspense kept me glued to the screen the entire time!: Viewers agree that the suspense and tension are the movie’s strongest points.

Great location to add to the suspense, and the characters were well developed and cast.: Viewers agree that the scenery adds to the tension of the movie.

Overall Consensus: Narrow Margin is a tense and entertaining thriller, praised for its suspenseful plot and Gene Hackman’s strong performance. While it may not break new ground, it delivers a satisfying and engaging viewing experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The cabin featured in the first act was specifically built for the movie. Peter Hyams decided to build it on top of a mountain in that particular spot while it was still covered in winter snow.”
• “Peter Hyams often disagreed with his composers and heavily altered their work in post-production. This happened with Bruce Broughton’s score for ‘Narrow Margin’, resulting in a less impactful musical accompaniment than originally intended.”

🖥️ How to Watch Narrow Margin?

As of today, ‘Narrow Margin’ (1990) is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms. You can find it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on cable VOD services. For physical media collectors, the movie is available on DVD and Blu-ray through online retailers such as Amazon and eBay.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Narrow Margin, you might like these similar films:

• The Narrow Margin (1952): The original film noir thriller that this movie remakes, offering a darker, more claustrophobic experience.
• Under Siege 2: Dark Territory (1995): Another action thriller set on a train, where an ex-Navy SEAL must stop terrorists.
• Breakheart Pass (1975): Features a train journey through the rugged landscape while an agent investigates a series of mysterious deaths.
• Source Code (2011): A modern thriller involving a train bombing and a protagonist who must relive the event to find the bomber, sharing themes of urgency and confined spaces.

🛒 Narrow Margin Related Products

• Narrow Margin (1990) [Blu-ray]: A high-definition Blu-ray edition of Narrow Margin, perfect for collectors. Includes bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage and director’s commentary. The pristine transfer enhances the visual experience, bringing the Canadian wilderness to life.
• Gene Hackman: A Life in Movies: A biography exploring the career of Gene Hackman, one of Hollywood’s greatest actors. Available as an ebook or audiobook, it delves into his iconic roles and his impact on cinema. Perfect for those seeking a deeper understanding of Hackman’s craft.
• Model Train Set – Canadian Rockies Edition: A detailed model train set inspired by the scenic routes featured in Narrow Margin. Includes a replica of the train and mountainous backdrops to recreate iconic scenes. A perfect display piece and collector’s item for movie buffs and train enthusiasts.
• Action Movie Soundtrack Collection (Various Artists): A digital compilation featuring iconic soundtracks from classic action movies, including Bruce Broughton’s score for Narrow Margin. Enjoy the thrilling music that enhances the suspenseful atmosphere of the film. Available for streaming or download.

🎧 Soundtrack

Narrow Margin features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Bruce Broughton
• “Mountain Assault” – performed by Bruce Broughton
• “End Credits” – performed by Bruce Broughton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Gene Hackman in NARROW MARGIN (1990)

Check out this intense scene between Gene Hackman and James Sikking from Narrow Margin! It really shows off Hackman’s talent and the movie’s suspenseful atmosphere. I think you’ll agree that it’s a captivating watch.

✨ Rate